Where Did You Find God Today?

I hear it in sermons, read about it in devotionals, and have written about it myself: positivity.

There is so much negativity in today’s world. Listen to any news cast for thirty seconds–longer if you can hack it–or eavesdrop on a conversation amongst people. It is all about what is wrong, what they don’t like, or who they can’t trust. It is an epidemic in our society these days.

Negativity blocks the Holy Spirit, clogs the creative flow, and stagnates us from moving forward to view beyond the situation to the possibilities.

According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, the health benefits of positive thinking are:

• Increased life span.
• Lower rates of depression.
• Lower levels of distress.
• Greater resistance to the common cold.
• Better psychological and physical well-being.
• Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
• Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress.

So, I was totally surprised to find the word “positive” is not in the Bible. I did a search in ten translations through BibleGateway. The closest thing that pops up is one of my personal go-to verses:

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

In fact, my first novel Focused was written with this verse in mind.

That made me wonder…Is there ever a time negativity can be a good thing? I think so.

Surprised?

The Bible is very clear that suffering can lead to a deeper faith. I Peter talks greatly of this. Christ suffered. So will we.

But there can be a positive result–through the negative act that brings suffering can sprout deep joy, a meaningful purpose, and God’s mercy. Often times, people seek God when they are in despair. Then they let go and let Him intervene. Their faith is strengthened.

Think of a battery. It takes both the negative and positive ends to charge. If something negative spurs you into prayer, then that can be good. It can charge your spirit to want to do something about it. See God’s glory through it. However, the move through the negative to the positive has to occur in order for the benefit to happen. Putting all your energy at the negative end won’t get you very far. In fact, it could be diasterous.

Not to end on a negative note, I am positive that is true.